Combined ladder and truck.



Patented Aug. l3, 190i.

- n. E. VAN coum.

COMBINED LADDER AND TRUCK.

2 Shee ts Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

m w m 5 a M0 M4 No. 680,402. Patented Aug. l3, I90l.

R. E. VAN COURT.

COMBINED LADDER AND TRUCK.

(Application filed Jan. 21, 1901.) J (No Model.) 2 Sheets--Sheet 2.

J PM

- wuewtoz V VIZJFF/TI" 077K222 m: Nonms PETERS cu, wow-Erma, WASHINGTON. o. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT E. VAN COURT, OF NENVTON, IOWA.

COMBINED LADDER AND TRUCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 680,402, dated August 13, 1901.

Application filed January 21,1901. Serial No. 44,173. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ROBERT E. VAN COURT,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Newton, in the countyof Jasper and State of Iowa, have invented new and useful Improvements in a Combined Ladder and Truck, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a combined ladder and truck or extension-truck; and its primary objectis to provide acheap and durable device of this character which may be readily converted from a wheelbarrow into either a step or extension ladder, or vice versa.

Another object is to employ means whereby the movable sections of the ladder may be securely locked in any position to which they may be moved in relation to each other.

WVith these and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter more fully described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, showing the preferred form of my invention, and in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in the form of a step-ladder. Fig. 2is an elevation of the truck form of this device. Fig. 3 is an elevation of an extension-ladder. Fig. i is a similar View of the wheels employed in connection with the device; and Fig. 5 is an enlarged section through a portion of the device, showing the locking means ofthe ladder-sections.

Referring to the figures by numerals of reference, 1 1 are side strips having handles 2 formed at one end thereof and which are connected by cross-strips or rounds 3, as shown. At the end of the side strips farthest removed from the handles is arranged a receptacle 3 of any desired form, which is open toward the cross-strips or rounds, and the outer end at of which serves as a platform for the device when the same is used as a step-ladder. An open bearing 5 is arranged at the lower edge of the receptacle 3 at each side thereof and is adapted to receive the axle 6 of wheels 7. Collars 8 are formed with this axle, so as to prevent the receptacle 3 from moving sidewise thereon against the hubs 7 X of the wheels.

Side strips 9 are pivoted to the main side strips 1, one to each side of the receptacle 3 and these are adapted to swing into position over the side faces of the side strips 1. Suitable cross-strips 10 connect these side strips 9 and serve the purpose of rounds when the device is used as an extension-ladder. These side strips 9 have handles 9 which provide an extension to the truck and are also adapted to brace and support the side strips 1 when the device is used as a step-ladder.

A lever 11 is pivoted between cars 12, which extend outward from each side strip 9, and each lever is provided at one end with an in- Wardly-extending arm 13, which is normally held projected into an aperture 14, formed within the side strip 9, by means of a coilspring 15.

A segmental arrangement of apertures or recesses 16 are located at desired intervals within the outer face of each side of the receptacle 3 and any one of these is adapted to receive the arm 13 of the adjacent lever 11.

When the device is used as a Wheelbarrow or truck, the bearing 5 is placed upon the axle and the side strips 9 are locked in the position shown in Fig. 2. By removing the bearings from their axle and adjusting the side strips 9 at an angle to the side strips 1 and locking the same in such position the device may be used as a step-ladder, and by swinging the side strips 9 so as to permit the same to extend upward from one end of the side strips 1 the device isin condition for use as an extension-ladder. (See Fig. 3.) When thus extended and mounted on the axle the device provides an extended truck. This device is especially adapted for use by work-' men, as by employing the same tools may be readily moved from place to place and the wheelbarrow or truck then converted into a ladder.

In the foregoing description I have shown the preferred form of my invention; but I do not limit myself thereto, as I am awarethat modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination with a ladder having a receptacle at one end and facing the crossstrips or rounds thereof; of braces pivoted to the main strips at opposite sides of the receptacle; means for locking the braces at a desired angle to the ladder or in line with the latter; open bearings extending from the bottom of the receptacle; wheels, and an axle thereto adapted to project into the bearings.

2. The combination with a ladder having handles at one end thereof; of a receptacle at the opposite end of the ladder and facing the cross-strips or rounds thereof; braces pivoted to the main strips at the opposite sides of the receptacle; cross-strips connecting the same; a lever pivoted upon each brace; an arm thereto adapted to engage any 

